Today, the 17th of May, is Constitution Day and
throughout Norway it is celebrated as a National holiday. On this day in 1814 the Norwegian Constitution was ratified. And recently it’s celebration is also a tribute to the royal family. In Vadsø it is a real festive day with parades,
and various meetings in several public buildings in the city. People dress up in their finest clothes, or in traditional costumes.Around 11 am we take off to the centre of the city. It is already very busy
there. Again I notice the many nationalities and colours of the people assembled there. Dark Asian and African girls in Norwegian costume, wearing it proudly, Asian girls in beautiful saris and robes, Norwegian women and men in all kinds of traditional clothing.
But above all, everyone is wearing the Norwegian flag. We are welcomed in both the Lutheran Church and in the Sports Hall.Watching a part of the ceremony in the church, I realise a bit moved how friendly and sincere the solidarity feels. The Sports Hall
is crowded. At long tables people of all kinds of ethnic background are having coffee, tea and cake. We are having a nice conversation with three Filipino women. They explain to us how Vadsø is pretty much the Norwegian capital when it comes to welcoming
refugees. Walking home Kaija and I also wave a Norwegian flag.